Ex Bat gone broody

[paula.berriman]

Hi all

Long time no beak! Bad joke I know.

So here we are, one of my ex bats has gone broody and I'm tempted to put some eggs under her to hatch. I have read that hybrids can give up half way through incubation and wondered if anyone has had any successes?

[Glutton4...]

I had two ex-Batts go broody last year - one gave up half way, the other one hatched both lots!

[paula.berriman]

Really? That's fab! I don't have a cockerel but a fellow down the way has offered me a couple of his eggs to try her with. I know it's a bit late but I'm dying to see if she can hatch any. I want to increase my brood anyway so why not give her a couple of chicks to look after? I won't be impressed if they both turn out to be cockerels mind.

[RichmondHens]

Just be aware it is not the ideal time to hatch chicks, both in terms of weather turning colder and also reduced fertility due to light levels.

[Glutton4...]

... and, have you actually considered what you will do with Cockerals?

[petal]

True G4. Any broody is much less likely to continue sitting in cold weather. Pop a fridge ice pack under her to get her off the brood. its not good for her to sit and lose weight with winter coming.

[jessmorris]

Ice pack? Thats a good idea - I'll remember that next year!